If you hear your child sneezing with more ‘atchoos’ then what is normal, it’s time you paid attention to the smaller details triggering those sneezes and coughs, the most common among them being the seasonal flu caused by poor hand hygiene!
As the summer season approaches and the temperature rises, it brings with it all kinds of illnesses that your child could be exposed to, from deadly bacteria in the air to contaminated surfaces! The most common spread of childhood infections such as the flu, common colds and gastrointestinal illness can be prevented by maintaining the practice of hand hygiene and of course…ensuring your child takes the necessary flu vaccinations.
Our best paediatrician in Dubai suggests that as parents, caretakers, and community members, it’s our responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of our children. Here are some practical and proven ways to keep the health of your little ones in good shape.
Causes of childhood infections
Common colds, chest congestion, seasonal flu, ear infections, and diarrhoea are some of the most common issues among children that can significantly impact their health, so understanding from where and how these infections spread, can help while taking proactive steps to prevent them.
Improper hand hygiene can be a happy breeding ground for germs, leading to a higher risk of infections and illnesses among children. Add to that, the sudden and highly noticeable change in current climate patterns and environmental conditions in the UAE that contribute to the spread of germs and diseases!
Common infections that can be caused by poor hand hygiene include respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses and skin infections. These conditions can result in discomfort and missed school days leading to overall drop in academic performance and in severe cases, hospitalization. By instilling proper hand hygiene habits in your child, you as a caregiver can significantly reduce the spread of such infections.
According to our reliable paediatrician in Dubai, childhood infections can typically spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces from towels and common utensils at home to school tiffins and benches.
This means that simple actions like proper handwashing or covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow, can help to make a big difference in preventing the spread of germs. When coughing or sneezing, use a handy tissue or kerchief to cover your nose and mouth. If you don’t have one, the most common-sense approach is to cough or sneeze into your elbow so that it doesn’t spread.
Importance of Hand Hygiene
One of the most effective ways to prevent childhood infections is proper hand hygiene at home. Make sure you encourage and teach your children at a young age, to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially before meals, after using the restroom or after they finish playing with toys or pets.
You can even find fun ways to teach your child the right routine to handwashing effectively according to our Dubai paediatrics doctor, including lathering soap, scrubbing all surfaces, rinsing thoroughly, and drying with a clean towel, till it becomes a regular habit. Setting a good example by practicing proper hand hygiene yourself as a role model to your child is a proven success since children often learn best through observation.
Good hand hygiene can prevent infections
When children contract infections due to poor hand hygiene, your quick response to treatment is important to prevent symptoms and complications. Depending on the type of infection, the treatment may involve antibiotics, antipyretics for fever, rest, and adequate hydration.
You could even speak to our team of expert paediatricians at HealthHub Clinics for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the child’s condition.
Vaccinations are another key approach to preventing childhood infections. By ensuring that your child receives all the recommended vaccines, you can protect them from a serious illness while at the same time ensure it doesn’t spread among schoolmates.
Getting your child vaccinated plays a vital role in preventing a wide range of diseases, including the seasonal flu and other infections. By providing immunity against specific pathogens, vaccines can help the body fight off infections before they can even begin. They also contribute to herd immunity, reducing the overall spread of diseases within the population.
In the UAE, where infectious diseases can spread rapidly, vaccinations are crucial for building immunity and reducing the likelihood of outbreaks. By ensuring your child receives the recommended vaccines according to the national immunization schedule, you play a significant role in safeguarding your child’s health while contributing to the community’s overall well-being. You can read more about this in our blog on immunization and vaccination.
Nutrition and immunity
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that support a child’s immune system. It also means cutting down on their junk food from oily fries to ice creams or burgers, that could create adverse effects in lowering their immunity.
You can read more about it in our blog on healthy diets for children.
Our team of top-rated paediatricians in Dubai recommends that combing your healthy diet with regular exercise from a 30-minute walk or an hour of outdoor football and 8 hours of sleep can further strengthen their immunity.
Providing a clean and healthy environment
Creating a clean and healthy environment is vital for preventing childhood infections. Proper ventilation, regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and minimizing exposure to pollutants and allergens can all help reduce the risk of illness.
Hand Sanitization
Ensure there are enough hand sanitizers at home or even as handy sachets for the outdoors, available for situations where handwashing is not immediately possible, such as during travel or outdoor play.
It helps your child stay infection-free, 24 x 7. Just make sure to teach your child to avoid touching the face, mouth, or eyes with unwashed hands to minimize the spread of germs.
Avoid unnecessary exposure
Make sure to limit exposure to friends or relatives who are sick, especially if it’s during an outbreak of contagious diseases. Ensure your child stays home when unwell to prevent spreading infections to others.
Safe play and social interactions
Encouraging regular outdoor play away from studies and eyes off screen, along with simple social and recreational activities from playing Scrabble or drawing together with friends and family is a great option. It not only supports overall well-being but also reduces the spread of germs when exposed far too long within indoor settings.
Just make sure your child is following proper hygiene practices during playtime or social interactions.
Strategies for childcare settings
If your child attends daycare or preschool, work with your childcare providers to ensure proper infection prevention measures are in place. This includes regular cleaning and disinfections, screening for symptoms and implementing exclusion policies whenever necessary.
As we conclude, let’s remember that preventing childhood infections is a collective effort. But taking proactive steps in our home, schools and communities, we protect our little ones and ensure they grow up healthy and strong.
Book an appointment right away with our reliable paediatrician in Dubai or talk to our team of paediatricians at HealthHub Clinics today on 800 2344.
